How to Maintain Your Nordic Walking Poles?

A well-maintained Nordic walking pole can accompany its owner for many years. Conversely, neglected maintenance considerably shortens its lifespan and can compromise safety in use. Here are the essential habits.

After every outing

Systematically wipe the tips and the lower part of the pole after every outing, especially if you have walked on wet or muddy ground. Mud drying in the grooves of a rubber pad makes it less grippy. Moisture accumulated in the joints of a telescopic pole can cause seizing or encourage corrosion.

Cleaning the straps

Detachable straps are washed by hand with lukewarm water and a little mild soap. Avoid the washing machine, which can deform the rivets and weaken the fastenings. Let them air dry, away from any direct heat source. A dirty strap transmits moisture to the hand and causes irritation during practice.

Check the tips regularly

A tip wears progressively. The tungsten end must stay fine and sharp to offer good grip. When it becomes rounded, the tip gets slippery and propulsion less efficient. Replacement frequency depends on terrain and intensity of practice: count roughly one season for intensive practice on paths. Replacement tips are available among the MØNARC® spare parts.

Storage

Store your poles vertically or horizontally, in a dry, temperate place. Avoid the car boot in high summer (excessive heat) or a damp garage in winter. Do not put anything heavy on them, to avoid micro-cracks on carbon poles.

Periodic visual check

Regularly inspect your pole along its whole length: a micro-crack on a carbon pole can give way suddenly under effort and cause a fall. If in doubt about a pole's integrity, replace it without hesitation.

Key takeaway: Wipe the poles after every outing, wash the straps by hand, check the state of the tips every month, and store your poles somewhere dry, protected from knocks.

Going further

• The different types of Nordic walking pole tips: how to choose?
• Nordic walking straps: role, sizes and how to choose them well
• How to clean and maintain your Nordic walking pole tips
• Maintaining and storing Nordic walking straps

Disclaimer. This article provides general information. It does not replace the advice of a doctor or health professional, nor supervision by a qualified instructor. Before starting or stepping up physical activity, especially if you have a health condition, pain or ongoing treatment, consult your doctor. Exercise according to your fitness, on suitable ground and with equipment in good condition. Each reader remains solely responsible for their own practice and for the decisions they make based on this information, and MONARC SAS cannot be held liable for their consequences.